Grayheart watched his apprentice, Autumnpaw, hunt for her first squirrel. It had been two moons since he got the day off but he still felt rested and ready to go. He turned to see a squirrel in the jaws of his new apprentice. She looked confident and proud of her accomplishment. Her brother came trotting forward with a mouse soon followed by his mentor, Rosespot. Autumnpaw's brother, Wolfpaw, gave a quick, hurt glance at the squirrel, then looked at his mouse. " Don't get too jealous, Wolfpaw," Autumnpaw said. Grayheart suppressed a mrrow of amusement. They went back to camp with plentiful prey. Autumnpaw trotted over to the fresh-kill pile to set her huge squirrel on it. Pinestar took one look at the squirrel and congratulated her. Pinestar padded over to Grayheart and whispered," Looks like your apprentice will be a warrior in no time," then went into his den. Grayheart watched him go then let his gaze fall on Autumnpaw. She was walking back to the apprentices den." Hey Autumnpaw," she turned when he called to her. " What is it, Grayheart?" She padded toward him. " Do you want to go on dawn patrol with me?" She looked him in the eye, obviously shocked. " Yes, yes I would." She fell in step beside him and licked his cheek. Does she lke me, he thought.  He wasn't sure but if she did, maybe he would like her back. He was only a couple of moons older than her. Maybe when he became leader she could be deputy. He looked at her again and pulled in closer so their pelts were touching.